Fall has arrived, bringing cool breezes and changing leaves. Now is the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Sure, seasonal home maintenance may not be glamorous, but it’s essential. By taking the right steps, you can keep your home safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient all winter long.
Here are 10 essential fall home maintenance tips.
1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Those beautiful fall leaves are great to look at but not so great when they start clogging your gutters. Blocked gutters can lead to water damage, ice dams, and even flooding. Save yourself a major headache and clean out your gutters and downspouts before the first frost hits. Water needs to flow freely away from your home to prevent damage.
2. Inspect Your Roof for Signs of Damage
While you’re clearing those gutters, take a good look at your roof. Are there missing or damaged shingles? Any signs of cracks or leaks? It’s better to spot and fix problems now than to deal with a major leak during a storm. If something seems off, consider hiring a professional to inspect your roof. It’s a small investment to avoid expensive issues down the road.
3. Store Hoses and Drain Outdoor Water Sources
This one is easy to forget but can cause major problems if you skip it. Disconnect and store your garden hoses (and drain your outdoor faucets while you’re at it) before the temperature drops. If water freezes in your hoses, it can cause them to burst and damage your pipes.
4. Trim Tree Limbs Near Power Lines or Roof
Heavy snow and ice can weigh down tree limbs, making them more likely to snap—and if those branches are near your roof or power lines, watch out. Take the time now to trim any limbs hanging over your home or close to power lines. If the job looks too big or unsafe, you can always hire a professional.
5. Inspect and Clean Your Heating System
Let’s face it: If you live in a colder climate, your heating system is about to be put to work. Let’s make sure it’s up for the challenge. Schedule a professional cleaning and inspection before winter arrives. An efficient, well-maintained furnace or heating system will keep you warm and cozy while keeping your energy bills under control.
6. Replace Furnace Filters
Speaking of heating, don’t forget to replace your furnace filters. A clean filter helps your heating system run efficiently, which means better airflow, lower energy bills, and fewer breakdowns. This is a small but simple task that can make a big difference in keeping your home warm throughout the winter months.
7. Insulate Water Pipes in Cold Areas
Frozen pipes are no joke. They can burst and cause extensive water damage to your home. Pipes running through unheated areas like basements, attics, or crawl spaces are the ones to pay special attention to. Insulating those pipes now will help prevent them from freezing and save you from disaster later.
8. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
As you fire up your furnace and start using space heaters or fireplaces more often, it’s critical to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Test them, replace any batteries, and make sure you have detectors on each floor of your home. A good rule of thumb is to check them when daylight savings time ends—easy to remember, right?
9. Stock Up on Wood or Pellets
If you use a wood-burning stove or fireplace, fall is the best time to stock up on wood or pellets before the rush. A crackling fire can make winter so much cozier. And don’t forget to schedule a chimney inspection to make sure it’s safe and ready to use. Safety first, cozy second!
10. Check and Repair Caulking Around Doors and Windows
Caulking may not be exciting, but it’s one of the best ways to prevent drafts and keep your home energy efficient. Over time, caulking can crack and deteriorate, letting cold air in and warm air out. Spend a little time checking around your doors and windows for any gaps and reapply caulking as needed.
Fall home maintenance might not be your favorite activity, but it’s well worth the effort. Tackling these 10 essential tasks now can save you from costly repairs, reduce energy bills, and keep your home warm and safe. Once these jobs are done, you can relax with your favorite fall beverage (pumpkin spice, anyone?) knowing you’re ready for whatever winter brings.
And remember, Chalmers Insurance Group is here to help with any questions or concerns about protecting your home this winter. Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the season!
